Ofure Akhigbe
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has sparked controversy by appointing her daughter and son-in-law to prominent positions in the country’s new cabinet.
In a televised address on Monday, November 17, from Chamwino State House in Dodoma, President Samia Suluhu announced a major cabinet reshuffle, naming 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers. Her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, 43, was appointed Deputy Minister of Education, while her son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, 46, was named Minister of Health. Seven senior officials from the previous cabinet were replaced.
Wanu represents Makunduchi Constituency in Zanzibar, while Mchengerwa serves as lawmaker for Rufiji Constituency in the Pwani Region. The reshuffle also saw Ridhwani Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete, appointed Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance.
Other key appointments include Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar, who replaces Mwigulu Nchemba, now Prime Minister, while Mahmoud Thabit Kombo retains his post as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. The new cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
President Samia Suluhu’s decision has drawn attention amid a broader trend in some African countries of leaders placing relatives in government roles. In Uganda, for instance, President Yoweri Museveni has multiple family members in top positions, including First Lady Janet Museveni as Education Minister and their son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, heading the defence forces.
Observers say the appointments by President Samia Suluhu could intensify debates over nepotism and governance, highlighting the fine line between family ties and merit-based leadership in African politics.